News Details

Second Annual Wall of Remembrance Display in the Illinois Capitol

5/27/2016

The Illinois Senate Republican Caucus officially opened their second annual Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance display in the state Capitol Rotunda on Friday, May 27 with Governor Bruce Rauner, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, and Assistant Director Harry Sawyer, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, offering remarks honoring those who have died in service to their country.

“We live in freedom today and every day because of the grave sacrifices hundreds of thousands of military service men and women made over the course of our country’s history,” said Governor Bruce Rauner. “On behalf of the people of Illinois, I thank all the men and women who serve this great country in uniform. We are forever indebted to you and your service.”

“This Memorial Day, I am honored to share with you our way of remembering America’s true heroes. They answered the call of duty to protect us. We owe them our deepest gratitude and support,” said. Sen. Radogno.

The display is open to the public from May 26 to July 4, 2016 during normal business hours.

"Memorial Day is a special time for Americans to reflect on the contributions of those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Because of the courage of these veterans, we enjoy the opportunities and freedoms that we do today. It is our duty to remember these men and women for the ultimate sacrifice they paid for our freedom," said Erica Jeffries, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.

There are two Wall of Remembrance displays this year, each with a rolling virtual presentation of submissions from family members and friends that include a photograph and memory of their loved one. The first Wall of Remembrance display honors those who died in service to our nation; and the second display recognizes our veterans who are no longer with us. This year, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, there were more than 100 personal submissions.

“It was a great honor today to pay tribute to the many veterans whose courage is the reason we are able to enjoy our freedoms,” said State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods), a veteran of the Army National Guard. “This Memorial Day, we owe it to them to show our gratefulness for the sacrifice they made for each and every one of us.”

The Senate Republicans encourage anyone passing through the Capitol Rotunda to take a moment to pause and thank these brave men and women for their sacrifice by placing a note of gratitude on the Wall of Remembrance.

“Since our nation’s inception, brave men and women have answered the call to defend our country and safeguard the freedoms we enjoy every day,” said State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), a veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard. “It’s important that we honor the sacrifices they made in the service of their fellow Americans.”